Srinagar, July 22 -- National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said restoration of statehood remains the essential foundation for regaining the region's constitutional rights, while launching a scathing attack on political opponents for skipping the NC's Delhi protest and refuting allegations that he had sought to internationalise the Kashmir issue.

Addressing a press conference here, Abdullah, which he said he was not addressing as CM but as the Vice President of National Conference, said his protest in Delhi on Monday was "just the beginning" and not the end of the party's campaign. He also hit out at opposition parties for abstaining from the agitation and instead choosing to criticise the initiative on social media....